Here are some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers:
Q. What is considered normal range for cholesterol?
A. Total cholesterol levels should be under 200 mg/dL
Q. What is the desirable level for HDL, the “good” cholesterol?
A. Above 50 mg/dL
Q. What is the desirable level for LDL, the “bad” cholesterol?
A. 100 mg/dL or lower
Q. What is the desirable level for triglycerides (a form of fat)?
A. Below 150 mg/dL
Q. What is normal blood pressure level?
A. 120/80 mm Hg
Q. What is desirable level for blood sugar?
A. Below 100 mg/dL
Q. What is a normal body mass index? (Body mass index, or BMI, measure of body fat based on weight and height.)
A. A BMI lower than 25 is considered normal. A BMI between 25 and 30 indicates you are overweight, and a BMI above 30 denotes obesity.
Q. Is it possible to prevent heart disease?
A. Yes -- up to 82% of heart disease is preventable.
Q. What is the single-most important thing you can do to prevent having a first heart attack?
A. If you smoke – quit! Exercise daily. Develop and maintain a healthy diet. LOSE those excess pounds!
Q. What factors are not preventable?
A. Family history of early heart disease, and being 55 or older.
